Franchise Industry News & Announcements

May 23, 2013 // Franchising.com // Local children's music franchise owner, Elizabeth Hawkhead, is celebrating her 10th successful year bringing music classes to the babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers of Leeds.
Former Bank Manager, Elizabeth, bought her Rhythm Time music franchise ten years ago after having her own children. As a bank manager, I had looked after other peoples' businesses and this gave me an appetite to run one of my own. Music was a passion of mine, so Rhythm Time gave me the perfect opportunity to do what I love and have a career that fitted around my young family," she quotes.
The music franchise owner's classes have proved so popular that over the past ten years, over 4000 babies and young children have attended Elizabeth's classes in Leeds...

May 23, 2013 // Franchising.com // Austin, TX - Alamo Drafthouse is proud to announce the launch of its annual Summer Kids Camp screenings, a series of films programmed specifically for families. Not only can families head to their local Alamo to spend quality time together in air-conditioned entertainment bliss, but admission to all Summer Kids Camp films is 100% free.
"Here at the Alamo, many of us have childhood memories of heading to the movies. We want to share our love of movies with our whole community and provide options for affordable family entertainment," said Amy Averett, Alamo Drafthouse Director of Private and Community Events.
Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the lobby box office. Customers are encouraged to arrive early to snag their tickets and enjoy custom family-friendly pre-shows full of eye-popping and laugh-inducing clips and shorts appropriate for all ages! See below for the full Summer Kids Camp 2013 lineup...

Leading Battery and Light Bulb Franchise Ranks among the Top Franchisors
May 23, 2013 // Franchising.com // Hartland, WI – For the fourth consecutive year, Batteries Plus Bulbs, the nation’s first, largest, and fastest growing battery and light bulb franchise, recently ranked in the top 10 percent of all franchises nationwide and was named a 2013 Military Friendly Franchise® by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs.
The award honors Batteries Plus Bulbs for its ongoing support of our nation’s heroes. With over 20 veteran franchise owners representing more than 47 stores nationwide, including a corporate store that is managed by a veteran, Batteries Plus Bulbs is a proud member of VetFran which helps military veterans achieve their dreams of opening their own business...

Pizza Favorite Adds 40+ Original Menu Items and Variety of Craft Beers
May 23, 2013 // Franchising.com // Louisville, Colo. – Founded in 1976 in Boulder, Colo., with three decades of success and a loyal following, Old Chicago Pasta & Pizza has refreshed its brand to deliver a more modern and robust dining experience. Rebranded as Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, the neighborhood restaurant and craft beer tavern has added progressive touches, an enhanced service model and an updated menu with wider and deeper offerings.
In addition, Old Chicago is updating the look and feel of the restaurant atmosphere. The fresh-faced tavern is stylish and warm; light woods and clean metal accents blend together for an enticing, authentic feel...

In-Home Care Company will Provide High Quality Home Care and Jobs Throughout the Bloomington Market
Bloomington, IL (Grassroots Newswire) May 7, 2013  - SYNERGY HomeCare, one of the nation’s leading home care providers, today announced the opening of its new location in Bloomington. SYNERGY HomeCare of Bloomington will serve individuals and families in the Bloomington/Normal areas.
SYNERGY HomeCare of Bloomington provides companionship, help with activities of daily living, and care for people with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, arthritis, MS and other conditions. It also proudly serves Veterans in need of non-medical care.
"We recognize the need for high quality companionship and personal care for people of all ages with a variety of needs...

Fiscal Year Results Significantly Impacted by Asset Impairment and Restructuring Charges Related to Frozen Yogurt Operations
DURANGO, CO - (Marketwired - May 23, 2013) - Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. (NASDAQ: RMCF) (the "Company") today reported its operating results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended February 28, 2013 (FY2013). The Company franchises/operates gourmet chocolate stores and manufactures an extensive line of premium chocolates and other confectionery products. The Company's 60% owned subsidiary, U-Swirl, Inc., franchises and operates self-serve frozen yogurt cafes. Management will host an investor conference call today at 4:15 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss its operating results and other topics of interest (see details below)...

The #1 Name in Fresh Fruit Arrangements Ranked #100 Among Top E-Retailers
WALLINGFORD, Conn. - May 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - For the second consecutive year, Edible Arrangements® is ranked as one of the leading online retailers by Internet Retailer magazine. Edible Arrangements® was named #100 on the publication's 2013 Top 500 list of the largest web merchants.
Thanks to a dynamic retail website, complementary digital marketing strategies, and continued enhancement and innovation online, Edible Arrangements® generates more than 50 percent of all franchise store revenue from online sales. The company also recently celebrated the most successful Mother's Day in company history.
"Our goal is to give Edible Arrangements® guests a complete online experience that is second to none," said Kaitlin Reiss , Vice President of E-commerce for Edible Arrangements International...

Award-Winning Food and Concept Spreads from Midwest to the Coast; Artisan Menu Developed by James Beard Honored Chef. 
Kansas City, Mo (PRWEB) May 23, 2013 - SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza is known for its exceptional artisan food made from fresh ingredients without the gourmet price, its eclectic, affordable premium wines, and its inviting culture and environment.
SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza’s first franchise location is now open in Southern California in the City of Orange near Honda Center and Angels Stadium of Anaheim in Orange County. The restaurant is operated by Hofman Hospitality Group (HHG), which has completed a franchise agreement to open 37 SPIN!® restaurants throughout Southern California. SPIN!’s award-winning, premium fast-casual concept is known for its exceptional artisan food made from fresh ingredients without the gourmet price, its eclectic, affordable premium wines, and its inviting and warm culture and environment...

7-Eleven®Launches Summer Slurpee Days with 49-cent Drinks Memorial Day Weekend, #Awesummer Flavors and Freebies
DALLAS - May 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Although the first official day of summer isn't until June 21, 7-Eleven® is kicking off the Slurpee® season when most people arguably go into summertime mode – Memorial Day weekend. The convenience retailer's #Awesummer Summer Slurpee Days officially begins Memorial Day weekend – with a 49-cent medium-size Slurpee drink deal that is available at participating 7-Eleven stores Friday through Monday, May 24-27, during which any medium Slurpee drink will be just 49 cents.
Actress Ashley Benson of ABC's hit TV show "Pretty Little Liars" and surprise indie box office hit "Spring Breakers," appeared at a Los Angeles 7-Eleven store to take the ceremonial first summer Slurpee sip...

ST. LOUIS - (BUSINESS WIRE) - May. 23, 2013 - Build-A-Bear Workshop® announced today initiatives to provide support for children and families affected by the tornado that devastated Moore, OK and surrounding areas earlier this week. The company is inviting its Guests to share the hug of a teddy bear through several initiatives. Nationally, Guests can donate $1 or more to the American Red Cross at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores or online at buildabear.com. In Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Guests can make bears for local children affected by the tornado. Additionally, the Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation has contributed $2,500 to DonorsChoose.org for a specially directed teacher program to rebuild the schools in Oklahoma that were hit hardest by the storm and replenish classroom supplies in the upcoming months of recovery...

Leading Direct Marketing Company Named Best for Vets and Military Friendly Franchise
LARGO, Fla. - May 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Valpak, a leader in local print and digital coupons, has been named to two prestigious lists recognizing franchises that go above and beyond in helping military servicemen and women achieve their goal of business ownership. Both Military Times EDGE and G.I. Jobs have awarded Valpak for its focus on veterans, placing the company at #5 on the Best for Vets: Franchises list and among the top 10 percent of franchise companies named to the 2013 Military Friendly Franchises® list, respectively.
"Valpak gives veterans like me the support structure we are accustomed to from our military experience while putting us in command to run our own business," said Michael Lambert , former Marine Sergeant and now Valpak of Lubbock franchisee...

TGA challenges young people’s creativity with national T-shirt contest.
El Segundo, CA (PRWEB) May 23, 2013 - Over the past ten years, TGA Premier Golf and Tennis has been enriching the lives of youth across the country through its innovative after-school youth sports programs.
In celebration of this milestone, TGA did what it does best: It gave young people the opportunity to express themselves, but this time, it wasn’t on the golf course or tennis court, but through artistic impression. Students were challenged to design a T-shirt that would be used nationally in 2013 summer camps to mark the 10th anniversary.
This unique activity gave TGA students the opportunity to design a colorful themed T-shirt that expressed what TGA and ten years of fun and learning the sports of golf and tennis meant to them...

America’s Diner partners with leading minority organizations to offer more than $50,000 in scholarships to deserving high school and college students, helping address the issue of hunger in local communities.
SPARTANBURG, S.C. - May 23, 2013 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Denny’s, Inc. (NASDAQ: DENN), one of America's largest full-service restaurant chains, is pleased to announce the formation of the Hungry For Education (HFE) scholarship program, now open for qualified student applicants across 12 targeted states within the Denny’s restaurant demographics (CA, FL, GA, IL, NV, SC, TX, NM, NY, CO, AZ, DC). The scholarship competition for high school and college students will award scholarships to deserving candidates that share unique, actionable ideas on ways Denny’s can help end childhood hunger in the student’s local community...

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - May 23, 2013 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Creative Learning Corporation (CLCN.OB), owner and developer of Bricks 4 Kidz®, the highly-popular children’s education and enrichment program, is pleased to announce its near record sales for April 2013 of $473,148. CEO Brian Pappas attributes the results to a substantial increase in lead flow from franchise seekers as well as to the performance of the Company’s franchisees. Pappas stated, “You don’t sell franchises in any franchise system unless the franchisees are doing well. We focus tremendous energy on our franchisees through our support system and are constantly seeking ways to assist them in their local businesses. May is shaping up to be a near record month also with close to 20 franchises projected to be sold by the end of the month (including three franchises purchased by current franchisees)...

Healthy Vending Concept Worthy of the Media’s Attention
San Diego, CA (PRWEB) May 23, 2013 - Fresh Healthy Vending is a San Diego-based company whose franchisees provide vending machines stocked with healthy food and drinks in locations such as schools and businesses throughout the country. The company’s in-house, full-service marketing and advertising department has a goal of generating as much “noise” as possible in the media for their franchisees, and to promote the Fresh Healthy Vending brand.
Fresh Healthy Vending has been featured in many leading publications and TV networks across the nation such as MSNBC, FOX Business, CBS The Early Show, and in Bloomberg Businessweek. Local interest stories have focused on recent legislation, franchisees, healthy food and drink options, new vending location categories and the general health of many communities across the country...

Dan Daniel, Carsmetics’ newest franchisee, is opening the first Carsmetics franchise in Virginia.
Tampa, Florida (PRWEB) May 23, 2013 - Carsmetics, a DuPont Quality of Assurance repair facility that specializes in repairing vehicles with “drivable damage,” has a new franchisee. Carsmetics’ corporate headquarters are in Tampa, Florida, but Dan Daniel, Carsmetics’ newest franchisee, is taking Carsmetics to a new market in Richmond, Virginia. “Carsmetics is thrilled to be moving into the Richmond market, and we know Dan is the right person to bring us there. Under Dan’s leadership, this franchise is going to thrive,” said Tony Lockhart, CEO/President of Carsmetics. Right now, Dan is searching the Richmond area for the perfect location; if he finds it soon, he hopes to open his franchise later this year...

National and international shipping will now be more accessible to small and medium sized businesses in central Indiana.
Indianapolis, IN (PRWEB) May 22, 2013 - Industry growth in Indianapolis has opened the doors to InXpress, a company that provides discount shipping prices for small to mid-sized businesses.
InXpress recently opened a new office in Indianapolis which offers tailor-made courier and delivery solutions to area businesses.
As an example, after opening an office in Washington, D.C. last year, InXpress helped more than 100 businesses cut shipping costs by 17 percent or a total of $115,450. InXpress boasts nearly perfect consistency in saving customers 10 percent or more over their existing shipping rates.
“I am thrilled to bring the InXpress brand to Central to Indiana,” said Martin Monnig, owner of the new franchise...

World’s Largest Barbecue Franchise Gives Away Free Barbecue for a Year in California
BRENTWOOD, Calif. - May 23, 2013 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Dickey’s Barbecue Pit multi-unit owners Damon and Shantel Owens are ready to party at their grand opening celebration at their Brentwood location on Friday, May 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Customers will enjoy Dickey’s mouthwatering Pulled Pork Big Barbecue sandwiches for only one dollar!
“We love serving east Contra Costa County authentic hickory smoked meats,” said Damon Owens. “We have a passion for barbecue and enjoy what we do every day -- not many people can say that.”
The Owens’ Brentwood location is in the Sand Creek Crossing shopping center off the Highway 4 Bypass...

Students walk inside the Re/Max hot air balloon's envelope during a special indoor educational presentation.
May 23, 2013 // Franchising.com // CHICAGO – The Re/Max Hot Air Balloon will pay a June 3 visit to Rock Cut Elementary School, 7944 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park, Ill., where the balloon crew will present an interactive educational program developed and sponsored by the Re/Max real estate network in northern Illinois.
The Re/Max balloon has become a nationally recognized corporate symbol since it was created 35 years ago and then combined with the now familiar Re/Max “Above the Crowd!”® slogan. Today, the balloon enjoys great success in achieving both educational and promotional objectives, appearing frequently at festivals, parades and charity events...

SAN FRANCISCO - May 23, 2013 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) today announced that its Board of Directors authorized a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share payable on or after July 31, 2013 to shareholders of record at the close of business on July 10, 2013.
About Gap Inc.
Gap Inc. is a leading global retailer offering clothing, accessories, and personal care products for men, women, children, and babies under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, Athleta, and Intermix brands. Fiscal year 2012 net sales were $15.7 billion. Gap Inc. products are available for purchase in more than 90 countries worldwide through about 3,100 company-operated stores, over 300 franchise stores, and e-commerce sites. For more information, please visit www...